Istanbul Holiday Weather Overview
Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, is an extremely popular tourist destination that features high-class restaurants, bars and galleries, which can make the night-life very special.
A beautiful city that exhibits several elegant mosques and museums, Istanbul is a sight-seeing paradise with the district of Sultanahmed home to many attractions such as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque.
Istanbul has a Mediterranean climate that features all four seasons and in particularly a gorgeous spring with beautiful weather that sees tourists often visit during this time.
Things to do and see in Istanbul
Istanbul is home to some of the most beautiful buildings in the world from the Sultan Ahmed (or Blue) Mosque to the Basilica Cistern.
Sightseeing is a must for a trip to Istanbul, with Topkapi Palace a major tourist attraction, with many mosques and museums offering unique experiences.
The Istanbul Archaeology Museums are very popular, as if the Rahmi M. Koc Museum, the first major museum in Turkey dedicated to the history of Transport, Industry and Communications.
Istanbul is also a great place for shopping, with the Grand Bazaar one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world.
Best food and places to eat in Istanbul
Istanbul is a fabulous holiday destination for food lovers, with its cuisine shaped by influences ranging from the Ottoman court to other ethnic groups.
Mezes, which are small tapas-style plates and simit, a loaf of bread topped with toasted sesame seeds, are extremely popular local dishes.
In regard to restaurants, Harab’be is wildly popular for its ambience and dining, while La Mouette is noted for its breath-taking views and their use of locally-sourced ingredients.
What languages are spoken in Istanbul?
Turkish is the official language of Dubai, although English is widely spoken and English-speaking tourists will be pleasantly surprised as to how fluent in English locals are.
Modern standard Turkish is based on the dialect of Istanbul, which is also referred to as Istanbul Turkish, the most widely spoken of the Turkic languages.
Which currency is used in Istanbul?
The currency of Istanbul is the Turkish lira, with Sterling, Euros and Dollars easily exchanged at all banks and post offices.
Many money exchange services offer favourable rates in Istanbul while certain shops with also accept Euros, but is it advised to enter Istanbul with Turkish lira already at hand to obtain the best possible rates prior to travel.
Top hotels in Istanbul
Istanbul possesses a diverse range of luxurious and budget hotels designed to suit all holiday goers.
The Four Season Hotel Istanbul provides five-star accommodation, as does the uniquely glamorous Hotel Sultania.
In regard to three-star stays, the Osmanhan Hotel and World Heritage Hotel offer scenic residency that it still comparatively quite glamorous compared to its five-star competitors.
Sumo Cat is worth mentioning as an original boutique hostel that is decisively more affordable and was converted from a 19th Century townhouse.
When is the best month to visit Istanbul?
The weather in Istanbul is ideal for trips during the months of April to May, while the autumn time of September to October is also preferred by most of the visitors with the temperature at a warm but comfortable level
The months of July and August can be uncomfortable for some due to the sweltering heat, although those looking for specifically sun-filled holiday will not be disappointed. Winter can also prove troublesome on occasion due to the chilli Istanbul winds.
What to pack and wear in Istanbul?
If you are going for a summer holiday in Istanbul you should bring light clothes with you.
Istanbul is a predominantly Muslim city, so tourists can wear shorts, tops or jeans in the tourist areas, but must wear more modest clothing while walking on the streets.
In the winter season, the increased and cold and wind will require tourists to bring warmer clothing such as heavier jackets and trousers.
Best months to visit Istanbul?
June and August are the best month to go for holiday or travel to Istanbul. The weather averages gathered from Istanbul weather forecast and Istanbul weather history also forecast these months temperature to be around 26°c and average of 263.0667 hours of sunshine in a month.
Coldest months of Istanbul?
January and February are the coldest months with temperature at around 5°c.
Which months receive most rainfall in Istanbul?
January and December receive most rainfall with precipitation count of 89.98mm.
Travelling to Istanbul? Check out our Weather averages of Istanbul to better plan your holiday or travel.
If you would just like to know what the weather was for a past dates for research or education or you are just curious then visit our historical weather of Istanbul section.